|
February 28, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you're all enjoying the warmer weather we’ve had this week! Spring may still be a way off, but it’s always nice to have a break from the cold. At the Capitol, we’re in the thick of the legislative session, working hard to address the challenges our communities face. From workforce housing to school safety, I’m focused on solutions that will make life better for families, businesses, and local communities across our district.
Before we get to the update, I wanted to quickly let you know about an important event happening on Monday. Last week, I updated you on a bill that would prohibit men from competing in women's sports. That bill heads to the floor on Monday, and is receiving a ton of pushback despite nearly 80% of people supporting it.
We will be holding a rally at the Capitol to support this legislation with 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, and girls' sports advocate, Riley Gaines. If you're able to, I absolutely welcome you to attend.
 Strengthening Workforce Housing and Economic Growth
One of the biggest challenges facing our communities is a lack of affordable workforce housing. This week, I supported HF 1067, a bill that will make it easier to invest in housing projects that help our local workforce while ensuring that communities have the resources they need to grow. This legislation removes some of the restrictions on income limits for the Minnesota Housing Tax Credit Contribution Account Grant and Loan Program, making it easier to fund workforce housing projects. It also modifies the Workforce Housing Development Program, ensuring that state funds can be leveraged more effectively with local and private investment.
This is a huge win for our region, especially for economic development and job growth. Without affordable workforce housing, we struggle to attract and retain workers, businesses face staffing shortages, and our communities miss out on opportunities to expand. By making these changes, we can bring better-paying jobs to the area, support our local businesses, and strengthen our small-town economies.
Housing plays a critical role in making our communities vibrant and sustainable, and this bill is a common-sense step toward ensuring that we have the resources needed to build for the future.
Protecting Parental Rights and Keeping Our Schools Safe
Ensuring that parents have a say in their children’s education and that our schools are safe learning environments is a top priority. That’s why I’m supporting two important pieces of legislation:
-
The Parental Bill of Rights – This bill makes it clear that parents have the fundamental right to direct their child’s education, medical care, and upbringing. It ensures full transparency by giving parents access to school curriculum, medical records, and major decisions impacting their children. Parents should never be left in the dark when it comes to what’s happening in their kids' schools.
-
The SHIELD Act –This bill strengthens school safety by requiring all school districts to include security upgrades in their long-term planning. It also establishes a grant program to help schools invest in protective measures like secure doors, emergency communication systems, and lockdown capabilities. Our students and teachers deserve to feel safe when they step into the classroom, and this bill provides real solutions.
Both of these bills reflect our commitment to strong families and safe schools.
Investing in Our Communities: Highway 73 Improvements
Beyond legislative work, I’ve been spending time meeting with constituents and working on infrastructure improvements that will benefit our district for years to come. One key project I’m focused on is securing funding for improvements along the Highway 73 corridor from Cromwell to Kettle River.
This stretch of highway is vital to our local economy, connecting businesses, farms, and families across our region. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently published its final study on the corridor, outlining safety concerns and potential design improvements. Thanks to the hard work of the Highway 73 Action Committee, we now have a roadmap for making these upgrades a reality.
The next step is securing funding to make these improvements a priority. A safer, more efficient Highway 73 means better transportation for businesses, improved safety for drivers, and stronger connections between our communities. I’ll continue working with local leaders and MnDOT to push for investment in this key corridor.
Never Again Bill
When Minnesotans faced the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw firsthand what happens when emergency powers go unchecked. For 16 months, Governor Walz unilaterally extended emergency powers without legislative approval, shutting down businesses, closing schools, and leaving families struggling. Those executive orders impacted every corner of our communities—forcing Main Street businesses to close their doors, robbing students of key milestones like prom and graduation, and making it harder for families to make ends meet.
That’s why I fully support the "Never Again" Bill (HF 21), which restores balance between the Governor and the Legislature. Under this bill, a Governor can still declare an emergency, but it would automatically expire after 14 days unless a three-fifths majority of the Legislature votes to extend it. No more indefinite emergency powers—no more one-person rule.
While the bill did not pass on the floor, it has been tabled for future consideration. There are also some other versions of this bill working their way through the committee process, so we'll likely be discussing this issue again in the near future.
Photos
 Insightful meeting with Carlton County Administrator as well as the County Commissioners.
 Always a good meeting with the team from Northern Lights Academy discussing legislative priorities.
 Greet meeting with the Pine County Administrator as well as the County Commissioners!
 Great having Jenney Eaton & her team with the Northland Foundation down at the Capitol discussing some of the good work that they’re doing throughout greater Minnesota.
 Representative Nelson as well as Senator Rarick and myself had an informational meeting with some area nurses that were at the Capitol for the Minnesota Nurses Association Day at the Hill.
 Great having some of the amazing staff that work at MSOP stop by the Capitol today to discuss some of the challenges they are dealing with.
 Truly a reminder of why I do what I do! It was so great being back in district to meet with my friend Angie to catch up and discuss the issues and concerns we have throughout our district. I’m so proud of her and her willingness to engage and communicate.
 Thank you Lainie Janke & Molly Mcitugh with Therapeutic Services Agency for stopping by the Capitol.
 Always good to have Shari Olson, Executive Director of the Cloquet HRA down at the Capitol to advocate for programs and policies impacting public housing.
Staying Engaged
It’s been a busy session, but I’m always grateful for the chance to hear from folks back home. Whether it’s discussing infrastructure needs, school safety, or ways to grow our local economy, your input helps guide my work at the Capitol.
If there’s anything I can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My door is always open, and I appreciate the opportunity to represent and serve our community.
Take care, and have a great weekend!
Jeff
|
